Travel Startups and Innovation News

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the startups in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more.

Startups are a powerful force driving innovation across the travel industry—from AI-driven personalization and fintech solutions to next-gen mobility and booking platforms. PhocusWire delivers the most relevant travel startups and innovation news, spotlighting emerging companies that are rethinking the way people search, book, and experience travel.

Emerging travel startups and innovations driving the industry forward

Our coverage highlights breakthrough ideas, early-stage funding rounds, and strategic partnerships that bring fresh energy to the travel ecosystem. Whether it's reshaping trip planning, optimizing operations, or solving pain points across the journey, travel startups are challenging incumbents and building the future of travel with agility and purpose.

Spectaflow adds €1.7M for hotel operations tech
News / Startups
Spectaflow adds €1.7M for hotel operations tech
By Linda Fox | January 6, 2022
Iceland-based Spectaflow has raised a total of €2.5 million, created in 2019, including this latest... Read More
TheUp touts hospitality super app development with £7M investment
News / Startups
TheUp touts hospitality super app development with £7M investment
By Linda Fox | January 6, 2022
London-based TheUp, which started as mobile phone charging business ChargeUp, before pivoting to a... Read More
startup-founders-on-fundraising
News / Startups
Travel startup founders on the complexities of fundraising
By Mitra Sorrells | January 6, 2022
With investors showing more interest in travel, founders explain how they make decisions about... Read More
bounce-luggage-startup-2m
News / Startups
Luggage storage platform Bounce raises $2M for expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | December 21, 2021
Bounce provides storage locations in more than 1,000 cities around the world, including in all 50... Read More
guruhotel-preseed
News / Startups
GuruHotel raises $2.1M to help hotels drive direct bookings
By Mitra Sorrells | December 17, 2021
Founded in 2019, GuruHotel's platform enables hotels to build their websites and start selling rooms... Read More
Tracking travel startup investment trends in 2021
News / Startups
Tracking travel startup investment trends in 2021
By Linda Fox | December 15, 2021
Standout sectors attracting investment in 2021 include alternative accommodation and ground... Read More
The best How I Got Here episodes in 2021
News / Startups
The best How I Got Here episodes in 2021
By PhocusWire | December 13, 2021
Each show features an entrepreneur or innovator in their respective field, covering startups and... Read More
Anu-Hariharan-y-combinator
News / Startups
VIDEO: Why too much cash can lead to startup failure
By PhocusWire | December 10, 2021
At The Phocuswright Conference, Altimeter Capital’s Brad Gerstner and YC Continuity’s Anu Hariharan... Read More
VIDEO: Amadeus on recovery trends and startup areas to watch
News / Startups
VIDEO: Amadeus on recovery trends and startup areas to watch
By PhocusWire | December 9, 2021
Seasonality as been impacted and a much later decision process on destinations from consumers is a new... Read More
Casai expands in Brazil, acquires Roomin
News / Startups
Casai expands in Brazil, acquires Roomin
By Linda Fox | December 8, 2021
Roomin, which is also a property technology specialist, gives Casai a presence in Brazil leisure... Read More
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 In partnership with Zartico, this video series explores the latest trends and delivers practical... Read More
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Changing traveler patterns, evolving customer needs drive demand for travel insurance
Travel protection is bringing peace of mind for travelers and positive rewards for suppliers.... Read More